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Thursday, March 27th
Flying Noodle might have a whimsical-sounding name, but it's more than just a fun and tasty noodle shop. This site specializes in Italian-inspired gourmet gifts and subscription boxes. You can find a range of foods, drinks, and treats like beer, coffee, pizza, cheesecake, and pasta. Flying Noodle was founded in 1995, and it hopes to be a go-to destination for food clubs that are perfect for gifts or for giving yourself a treat or culinary adventure.
Two different pasta-inclusive clubs
Flying Noodle's pasta shipment is called the "Pasta of the Month” club. But the site can be a little confusing: if you click on "Pastas and Sauces” on the navigation menu, Flying Noodle says right now that it's "building” the part of the site where the pasta will be sold. However, if you look in the "Gift of the Month Clubs” section, you'll see another place to click on "Pasta”. That's where you'll find the Pasta of the Month Club. You can subscribe to the club on an ongoing basis or a prepaid plan. Flying Noodle offers a recurring month-to-month, seasonal, 3-month, 6-month, or 12-month plan if you want an ongoing membership or just three 3-, 6-, or 12-month plans if you want to prepay and send pasta as a gift.
What's included: 1-2 pastas and sauces per month
The Pasta of the Month Club includes 2 pasta types and 2 specialty sauces in each package. The pasta will include one flavored pasta and one natural (just the noodles). The selection feeds 8-10 people per box. If you want to try something with a little less pasta in it, you can go for the Dinner of the Month Club. This option offers an "Italian themed, gourmet meal” each month that includes a gourmet pasta, a sauce, and one additional item like an appetizer, drink, or dessert. Each monthly shipment will feed 2-4 people. With either box, you'll get a newsletter that will give you the lowdown on upcoming shipments. However, there aren't any details on past shipments or pasta specifics on the website before you buy. Flying Noodle does offer vegan sauces.
Pricing from $42.95 per month or $128.85 to $491.40 prepaid
The cost for the Pasta of the Month Club depends on whether you want to order continuously or prepay for a one-time subscription (best for gifting). Here's how the prices shake out:
The prices are the same whether you prepay or pay monthly, but if you select the club as a "gift” (even for yourself) you won't be scheduled for automatic renewal. The ongoing payment option will renew until you cancel.
Shipping is 100% free
The Pasta of the Month Club, like all clubs at Flying Noodle, has 100% free shipping. You don't have to worry about any additional costs when you subscribe to the pasta club at Flying Noodle. Regardless of whether you choose an ongoing or prepaid membership, each shipment of tasty pasta only costs the price of the box.
100% satisfaction guarantee
Flying Noodle backs every order with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. The company promises that if you're dissatisfied with their Pasta of the Month Club for any reason, they'll step in to resolve the issue ASAP. If Flying Noodle can't resolve your concerns for you, you can cancel your membership at any time. If you prepaid for your subscription, you'll be refunded for any boxes you haven't received yet.
Solid rating from the BBB
Flying Noodle holds an "A” rating with the Better Business Bureau, which shows a solid reputation, but we had difficulty finding detailed reviews for this service on other third-party review sites. There were no customer reviews or complaints on Trustpilot or Sitejabber. While the company does feature some testimonials on the Flying Noodle website, it's hard to determine if these reviews are curated or not. For now, we are a little reserved about Flying Noodle's public reputation.
A competitive pasta package, but needs more buzz
There are some pros and cons to consider with Flying Noodle. The selection of pasta (with flavor and plain selections) sounds great, but without a menu to look through, we're not sure what the past orders have been or future orders will be, so it's somewhat of a surprise. The lack of reviews and difficulty navigating the site, too can be a drawback. However, with an impressive satisfaction guarantee and free shipping, there are some competitive aspects for the pasta club at Flying Noodle. For this reason, it earns an above-average rating with the opportunity to move up in the future as it improves its online presence.
Have you ever thought about what your favorite pasta shape is? Are you a fan of long, flat linguine? Maybe you like bowtie pasta (farfalle) and its fun little ridges. Or, you might be a shell pasta (conchiglie) fan for the amount of sauce you can get in one bite. Whether you're a home chef trying to make restaurant-quality carbonara, or you're just trying to get a taste of this Italian classic, we get it.
So, what is a pasta club? Well, it's exactly like other subscription clubs (like cupcakes or makeup), where you'll get pasta delivered to your door each month. Plus, if you know a home chef in your life who needs noodles ASAP, most sites offer a range of prepaid subscription boxes that let you send a pasta subscription as a gift. It's a great way to try different kinds of pasta from around the world, support artisanal chefs, and explore new shapes and flavors of your favorite food item.
If you're a penne fan, or looking for some good-old-fashioned spaghetti, pasta is a classic meal that comes in so many shapes and sizes that you can spend years trying new ones and still find more shapes (rotini, fettuccine, or ravioli, anyone?). While most of us think of Italy when we think of our favorite pasta dishes, there's evidence that the Etruscans made pasta back in 400 BCE.
Food historians believe that pasta arrived in Italy through trade in the Mediterranean and began its widespread popularity in the 13th century. From there, it became a country classic with pasta dishes like macaroni, ravioli, gnocchi, and vermicelli showing up across Italy. Today, it's estimated that Italians eat over 60 lb. of pasta per person per year.
So, what's the difference between high-end pasta versus the stuff you get at the grocery store? Well, for those of you who've had homemade pasta, you already know: the flavors, the freshness, and the texture of the pasta are beyond amazing when you compare it to the shelf-stable boxes you find at your local supermarket. If you want that restaurant-quality flavor in your home-cooked pasta dishes, grabbing a subscription to a pasta club is one of the best ways to get artisanal, top-quality noodles delivered right to your door.
If you're worried about dietary restrictions, don't be. Most pasta clubs offer options for gluten-free, so that those who are unable to eat gluten can still enjoy the delights of a home-cooked pasta dish. Whether you want packs with just pasta or one that helps you out with extra seasoning, sauce, and sometimes cheese too (to really get your inner chef going), there's a pasta club out there to fulfill your Italian dinner craving.
If you're ready to have your friends asking to come to your place for dinner instead of the local Olive Garden, but you don't know which vendor to choose, don't worry. Here are some factors that can help you find the best pasta club for your home chef needs:
To help you find the best way to bring your home chef dreams to life, Top Consumer Reviews has researched and ranked the top pasta clubs available today. Now you can enjoy your favorite noodles year-round and know there's always more on the way. Bon appetit!
Select any 2 Pasta of the Month Clubs to compare them head to head